Parson's Nose Opens 15th Season with Shakespeare's THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
Parson's Nose Theater (PNT) will kick off their 2014-15 Season with a Readers' Theater Series performance of William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice.
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." -George Santayana
"In The Merchant of Venice, written in 1597, the young Shakespeare again performs his magic, taking elements from Italian tales and contemporary works (Marlowe's The Jew of Malta) and giving his own spin," explains PNT Artistic Director, Lance Davis. "His Christians are not merciful heroes, and his Shylock is not a greedy villain. His comedy does not end comfortably. Given today's news cycle, what better play for us to explore?
"We just came back from a trip to Provence," says Mr. Davis, "and I couldn't help but be struck by the overwhelming and historical Christian dominance of everyday life. Whether Catholic or Protestant, it was a Christian world. Anyone else was 'the other' and perhaps tolerated, but also feared, and therefore tightly controlled. In the tiny town of Vaison la Romaine there is a sign pointing to 'La Juiverie', a narrow, isolated lane - with a huge bolted gate. Today that sign could also point to the African sector or the Asian sector, and not just in the streets, but also in our minds. We Americans are no different. Arab, Jew, Gay, Female, Foreign, Intellectual - 'the other'."
Join us to listen to this brilliant 16th Century portrayal of justice vs. mercy. In today's darkness of world tension, a shaft of light is most welcome, isn't it?"
Parson's Nose Theater's 2014-15 Season begins with The Merchant of Venice, October 18th at 7pm and October 19th at 3pm. Running time appx. 90 minutes plus intermission. Appropriate ages 12+.
Parson's Nose Theater performs at Lineage Performing Arts Center located at 89 South Fair Oaks, Pasadena, CA 91105
Parson's Nose Readers Theater readings and productions are offered as "Pay What You Will" ($5-$25). Reservations may be made online at www.parsonsnose.com or by calling 626-403-7667. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.
The Merchant of Venice is sponsored in part by an Anonymous Donation, The Los Angeles County Arts Commission, and the J. Mario Molina Family Foundation.
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